Cochranites generosity was seen tenfold this past weekend (December 15) as community members helped Stuff Two Buses full. 

Marina Chabbert, President of Cochrane and Area Events Society (CAES), is happy to report no more toys are needed at this time for the Share Your Christmas Hamper program. "They are good on toys, which is great because we filled two buses. I didn't think it was going to be as full as what was actually donated but it really did fill up. Last year we had one bus and we tried to accommodate the food and toys together but it was quite crowded and more difficult to keep organized so deciding to go with two buses was a great idea."

Thanks to the Calgary Hitmen for donating 450 teddy bears to the Stuff A Bus initiative, Chabbert says one bus was half full before they even got started. Watching community members young and old offer up toys for kids of all ages is incredibly heartwarming and something Chabbert takes in each and every year. "Every year it is the same thing and it really touches me on a very deep level because there is so much generosity in town. It is so great to see that spread out and donated to people that perhaps are less fortunate."

This year's Stuff A Bus was made even more successful thanks to some incredible community sponsors. Offering a vintage Santa photo for anyone who donated, Chabbert, says it is an element they plan to bring back. "We had 84 families come through and over 400 people take pictures. Canadian Tire is already on board for next year and we're going to change the scene and theme year after year so it will always be different and something to come back for."

The Calgary Hitmen have also offered to help out again next year and as far as adding another bus, Chabbert says it all comes down to demand. "I think we'll keep the status quo if we can keep up with the demands. I have heard 269 hampers and that is an increase from last year, so if we keep increasing then we'll have to get more and more, but I think it's doable for two buses for the time being."

It took 45 minutes roughly to unload both buses and Chabbert gave extra thanks to the sponsors, Canadian Tire, Southland Transportation, Cochrane Activettes, all the volunteers, the CAES board and each and every person that donated.